Most people look forward to the arrival of sunny spring, following the cough, flu and cold season. Yet, along with all that sunshine come the pollens and molds, a real threat to those of us suffering of seasonal allergies.
In the northern parts of the U.S., the earliest pollen triggers come from trees. In the Midwest, Elm trees begin to pollinate as early as February or March when the temperatures start to rise. Cottonwoods, Birch, Maple and Oak follow in March, April and May. In May, grass pollen jumps into the mix, and ragweed follows in mid-August. You can learn a lot more about pollen and molds by visiting the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
People who suffer of seasonal allergies have a well-deserved break over the winter months. Before they can really enjoy the beautiful spring and summer weather, they have to deal with nasal itching, runny nose, stuffy nose, a lot of sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes. Or else.
Start early and visit your doctor. He’ll know that starting your medications before the pollens and molds kick in. Non-drowsy antihistamines are preferred. Lately, prescription nasal sprays have become important players in managing nasal allergies, just remember to start 1-2 weeks before the beginning of the pollen season.
Doors & windows – entryways for allergens. As tempting as it might be to keep the windows open, that’s how you let in pollens and molds. No, the screens don’t keep them out. One way you could get rid of the stuffy air in your home is to run the A/C earlier.
Car windows too. And the sunroof. When in your car, if you can adjust your vent to recirculate inter-compartment air, do it.
Outdoor activities need proper timing. Early and mi-morning hours have the highest pollen counts, so steer away from these hours.
Take your antihistamines. If you must go out, take your antihistamine at least two hours before doing so. Furthermore, consider wearing a dust mask and glasses while working. As soon as you’re done, remove your clothing and take a shower immediately after going back in the house because you don’t want to spread pollen all over the place.
Keep your nose clean. Nasal saline can be used two or three times a day to rinse your nasal passages. Many people (me included) have found that sinus drainage and congestion is greatly reduced by these nasal rinses with saline.
Recently I’ve acquired a Himalayan salt lamp and placed it in my bedroom; it is pretty, but it has amazing health benefits. I’ll explain:
The air in that room is cleaner as the Himalayan salt lamp has this incredible ability to filter the air, removing dust, cigarette smoke, pollen and other contaminants of the air. They attract water molecules and any foreign particles they are carrying and absorb it—it’s a process called hygroscopy. When the lamp is turned on, the heat coming from it releases the water back into the air, but keeps all the particles trapped inside the lamp.
Your allergy symptoms will be reduced as the Himalayan salt lamps filter microscopic particles in the air, including pollen, dust, pet dander, mold and mildew. You’ll get sick less often is you breathe cleaner air.
Those suffering of allergies or asthma, have the quality of sleep decreased. Every molecule is made up of atoms and every atom is made up of three types of particles: protons (positive charge), electrons (negative charge) and neutrons (no charge). Positive ions in the air are those making it difficult to sleep, and they are all around us. The Himalayan lamps release negative ions which will neutralize the positive ions. Now you can understand why I’ve chosen to place it in my bedroom. If you’re the type who needs complete darkness to sleep, turn it on for a few hours during the day and turn it off before going to bed.
You’ll breathe easier, too. The Himalayan salt is known for its ability to clear you airways—there are even Himalayan pink salt inhales. Moreover, you might experience fewer headaches as the salt lamps help enhance your mood, relax you and improve the blood and oxygen supply to your brain and other organs. It will improve your concentration, and also help you distress.
Studies have shown that being outside energizes the body because there are a lot more negative ions there. So there you go, plenty of reasons to remedy your allergy/asthma issues.
